Talib Kweli & Raekwon Talk Wu-Tang, Ghostface Killah, 'Cuban Linx,' Killa Hill | People's Party Full 

TIME STAMPS: 4:17 -- Raekwon and Talib reflect on their first time meeting in an elevator at Loud Records, Rae giving Talib the 'Protect Ya Neck' cassette single while Wu-Tang was still unknown to the masses. Rae is asked how his mother's encouragement helped him chase his dreams and then goes on to discuss the Park Hill aka 'Killa Hill' projects of Staten Island where he grew up. Talib asks Rae to break down how that environment shaped him and to explain the most notable differences between the Park Hill and Stapleton projects. 12:31 -- Raekwon gets into his past of identifying himself as a member of the five percent nation. He then proceeds to talk about hanging with the Gods in his neighborhood as a youth, their teachings of mathematics and the other things that drew him in, as well as how the five percenter philosophy tied into the Wu-Tang Clan's ideology from the beginning. 16:38 -- Raekwon is asked about where everyone was mentally when the Wu members were coming together in the early stages of creating 'Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).' Raekwon talks about being one of the first to be called on by RZA to help reach out and bring others into the group. He also does a deep dive into the process of penning his vivid verses on tracks like 'Can It Be All So Simple' and 'C.R.E.A.M.'. 26:22 -- Jasmin brings up how long it took for her to realize what "C.R.E.A.M." stood for, they discuss the term as a backronym as opposed to an acronym, which leads Raekwon to tell the real history behind the word "Cream" becoming a slang term for money as well as who coined it "Cash rules everything around me" which would then become one of the most memorable hip hop choruses of all-time. 31:06 -- Raekwon speaks on the history behind how he and Ghostface Killah met through RZA and became close friends during the writing of 'Protect Ya Neck.' He details how they clicked on having the same humor, both being perfectionists able to critique each other, as well as sharing many of the same visions through their creative process and chemistry. 38:13 -- Raekwon is asked about the 'Wu-Tang: An American Saga' series and to elaborate on the reasons behind why they chose to depict Raekwon shooting at Ghostface as well as if it's true Rae was forced to sleep on rooftops after he was kicked out of the house. He speaks on how he feels about the series, things a director Raekwon might have done a little differently and how Shameik Moore and the other actors captured the true essence of the Wu members. 48:27 -- Raekwon talks about his barbershop, the 611 Purple Factory located in Toronto, Canada. He explains why they chose Toronto as the location for the barber shop-meets-luxury lifestyle boutique dedicated to Rae and the WU. He also gets touches on his early hobby of cutting hair as well as lending a helping hand when he can to Canadian emcees coming up. 52:50 -- Raekwon is asked about his song 'Incarcerated Scarfaces' and to break down the meaning of "You rolling like Trump, you get your meat lumped…". They also discuss the scientific study done on which rappers have the largest vocabulary which Wu-Tang had dominated. Rae goes on to compare joining the Wu to joining the Navy SEALS, how members sharpened their skills working together and everyone having their own individual lane in the collective. 1:02:10 -- Raekwon illustrates his and Ghost's elevated mindset when they did the 'Striving For Perfection' intro on 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.' Talib touches on listening to OB4CL as an inspiration for his writing on the 'Gotham' album, Rae talks about him and Wu-Tang being deeply influenced by the Brooklyn borough and speaks on how much Big Daddy Kane motivated him along with Rakim, Kool G Rap, Slick Rick, LL Cool J and KRS-One. Likening them to the Justice League of hip hop. 1:12:15 -- Talib asks Raekwon about the conscious decision that he and Ghostface made to make the cocaine underworld the centerpiece of 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...' Rae explains how it was only natural for him to fill that lane for the group and make it the subject matter focus on a Rae and Ghost collaboration album at that time. Rae tells how the album was made for every hustler, being a Scarface movie on wax and they discuss Ghost's solo release 'Ironman' being the perfect follow-up. 1:19:35 -- Raekwon speaks on Wu-Tang member Cappadonna and what he means to the Wu legacy. He speaks on their history of going to school together, Capp making his debut on 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx' after being released from jail, as well as how important it was he be brought onto the team and not left behind. Rae also gets into how much he connected with the film 'Once Upon A Time In America' and Talib then goes on to ask Rae to list off his favorite Gangster movies of all-time. 1:26:59 -- Raekwon gives a big shout-out to the Force M.D.'s for their paving the way for Staten Island artists. He reminisces on the pride felt throughout the neighborhood during those block parties playing their songs and talks about the Force M.D.'s being a big motivation for himself and others he grew up with. Rae goes on to tell about the full circle moment when they contributed to Ghostface's 'Ironman' album, most notably featured on the intro for 'Daytona 500'. 1:33:26 -- Raekwon discusses his love of all music genres, they talk about what a special time the 1990's were as well as some valuable advice is given to up and coming emcees about not skipping steps on their way to success. Jasmin asks Rae about his collaboration with Outkast on 'Skew It On The Bar-B' and how that all came together. Rae talks about staying in Atlanta and seeing Big Bio at the mall. That chance meeting leading to an important collab bringing East Coast respect to the South and vice versa. 1:44:46 -- Raekwon talks about his 2009 release of 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II'. He digs into the song 'New Wu' and how long it took him to connect with the beat, he describes his feeling the full weight of releasing a sequel to such an iconic album and calling on Busta Rhymes to help inspire him throughout the process. The also talks about working with J-Dilla, the time he's taking with the release of OB4CL III, the Purple Tape documentary, the feeling of obligation to continue rapping and talks about his book 'From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan' coming soon.

When Raekwon speaks, it feels like an intermission on a Wu-Tang album.

I'm from a small town in Northern Ontario, Canada, and I hitchhiked for 2 days and nights to see Raekwon in Ottawa in 2011. He showed us nothing but love and respect, and I'll forever be grateful for that. Respect to Raekwon. A true artist, OG and legend. * and of course, much respect to The whole Wu-Tang Clan! * Peace!

Rae is a time capsule from the 90s who speaks like a street philosopher with poetic wisdom.

If Rae and Ghost did a podcast I’d be the first to subscribe

Raekwon is such a great orator. He could do an album with him just talking. I hope he does the audio when he launches his book

95 was special. The purple tape is a movie. Rae n Ghost was out for blood 🐝 ⚔️ 🐝

My favourite Wu-Tang member. One of the best writers ever - his slang is unmatched.

I love how Rae speaks. Voice, Cadence, Slang..... all of it. Him and Ghost are only behind Nas for me as my all time favorites.

That segment of Raekwon talking about his friendship with Ghost was something special. You can tell their loyalty is deeper than rap, you don’t see too much of that in the game these days 💯💯💯

The Purple Tape is a flawless album that belongs in the Smithsonian. I still listen to it after 25 years.

Raekwon aka the Chef. To me one of the most influential artists to me. He is the epitome of New York Rap. To me he doesn't get enough credit for mark in hip hop a real one in every sense of the word.. He is one of my favorite rappers of all time. Glad to see he's coming out with Only Built For Cuban Linx 3 can't wait for it. Thanks again Jaz and Talib for having another great guest and a legend. This is going to be a 🔥 episode.

Ironman is criminally underrated as an album. It's the real OB4CL part 2. It's got a blaxplotation chamber feel to it. I relentlessly played that album.

The difference between cats like him and normal cats - listen to the enthusiasm and detail. The energy. That’s an emcee, even with no beats on.

"Grown man" looks wonderful on Raekwon. Goodness! 😍 But I digress lol! I love how he straight butchers the English language so beautifully. Every word that isn't a word, feels like it should be! Lol I never get tired of listening to Rae speak. He speaks with his whole body and with conviction. Gotta love it! Wu-Tang Forever! 👐

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx part 3 let's go Rae

The Chef writes verses like screenplays to a Gambino crime thriller. Always such an admirer. He has the most 'streets' presence of The Clan, but on the flipside is one of the most literate, with some of the most articulate bars written in hip-hop, period. An incredible inspiration and a living legend in the game.

Reakwon is the EpitomE of New York...the GOD MC...and I still feel he is a underground legend...bck when our underground was like no other ....Reakwon Is the greatest representation of RAW...and storytelling..you ever hear in your LIFE...peace to the WU always and REA as a solo GOD...

Yo Talib, (& Jas, of course) illest, most thought provoking, nastalgic, extremely well-structured Q & A dialogue format, just all-around master podcast while maintaining such a grounded, genuine, humble base making it as relatable as any professional production could possibly be, I feel like I'm damn near in every interview session along with you guys! Hands down, best podcast out to date, word the fuck up. Just this man's opinion, but OBVIOUSLY the only opnion that matters so automatically it's the correct one, lol. Word life, peace and blessings to all, keep killin that shit!

Raekwon is like a heavyweight boxer on the 🎤mic

"mathematics is a way of life,not just a lesson"...those brothers always saw things on a scientific, righteous level.💯💪🏾👊🏾

My most favorite emcee ever. This dude has the most relentless, menacing delivery ever, IMO. He can spit the tax code and I'll listen to it like it's the Gospel. Big fan here in the 313...👍

Raekwon is so underrated!!!!! So good with his lyrics. Thank you Talib for this interview. True Bars for days.

Knowledge is the accumulation of information. Wisdom is organizing and contextualizing that information. Understanding is the practical application of wisdom in ones day to day life.

Rae looks like he's getting younger. My favorite Wutang member!

The Purple Tape @ The Whispers was the most popular tapes in Northern State Prison in 1998, Newark, N.J. Respect and Peace 7!

Crazy the OG look younger than some people my age and I’m 27. Health is wealth man, GodMC Raekwon.

Please get Az on here and Gza.

These Wu Tang Brother are larger than life, born to be entertainers and Hip Hop Superhero's - Love It.

Wu-Tang Clan is the best rap group of all time 💯

The Purple Tape was the perfect blend of beats and lyrics and it hit a lot of us immediately because a lot of us from any of the 5 Boros were doing a lot of the stuff they were talking about if not more. And back then in NYC there were all types of hustles guys were getting some real money with. Because no matter how you got your money, we all were spending it on similar stuff. I used to be on I 95 rocking the purple tape until I had to buy new ones. Because I usually rocked actual cassette tapes. Cds would always skip in cars if you hit bumps and if they got scratched it was messed up for good. There was no digital music. If you had a cell phone it was the bootleg joints that the Dominicans would hook you up with for $125 a month but you could only make outgoing calls. I remember a girl in Hampton Va had the same big ass bootleg phone we had. (I say "we" because the whole crew would share this one phone to answer beepers mostly) She was in our apt visiting one of us. I picked up her phone thinking it was ours and made a call to Brooklyn, walked outside and was talking for like 10 min. I came back inside and she's looking for her phone and I had it to my ear and she went NUTS! LMFAO! Yelling and screaming about how much she pays a minute and how much I owe her and why would I do that. Man those were the days and that was the soundtrack. I remember first hearing it and was like how are they talking about all the shit we were doing? That's what made it so fly. The purple tape is one of the best hip hop albums to capture a Culture of the Nation Of Gods and Earths, a hip hop musical culture, a fashion culture, the drug selling street culture and pretty much just every facet of life for NYC young people. Later we learned it was just as relevant down south as it was to us. It probably gave the guys in the towns we were hustling in an insight to what made us tick. I love that album. Peace to Man Woman and Child.

This is a legendary episode!! The Chef is a lyrical flex every time he opens his mouth!! Because of Talib and his validity as an emcee he really gets the best out of these wordsmiths. Rae for real has some of the illest flows bars and references ever in hip hop.

I just love Raekwons Lingo and slang.🔥🔥Peace to the god shallah

I love the friendship they had coming up and growing up together, i swear only people who come from real struggles make the realest friends and people

Legendary interview. Could’ve listened for 2 more hours.🔥🔥🔥🔥

"Spend $150 on Cheeba ...The other $150 GO GET HAIRCUTS " 😂😂😂😂

Talib excellent interview. Rae definitely top 10.

Rae is one of the only rappers that's always gonna be solidified in my top 5 along with Nas.

Rae looks healthy n like he cut off a few lbs good for him dope interview WUTANG!

Raekwon work ethic is crazy , thats why he's a legend. This young generation will never understand that. Salute talib for always blessing us with the god talk !

". . . broke niggas spot em like cascade in the street, masquerade, Fasterblade!" Salute to certified G.O.A.T. Lex Diamonds. . .Raekwon The Chef. . .interview was B A N A N A Z! WoRd!

Cool down to earth ass dude. I used to work with his lil sister. Chilled with him a bunch of times. He gave me an autographed OB4CL2 tee-shirt. Peace to the God and the Woods fam. Great people.

Being born and raised in Toronto and how much I know this city loves hiphop. Was nice hearing him acknowledge it.

Peace to Kweli and the whole UPROXX Crew! ThanKING y'all for capturing the beauty of Hiphop!

Meth was my favorite rapper…Until the Purple Tape dropped. The cassette stayed with me while i was delivering newspaper & taking public transportation. Thank you Raekwon for making my teen years lit. - Signed 07/15/2021

His honesty is why I love Wu

If winter in NY had a voice... ☝🏾🏆 Great talk, everybody. Now back to the podcast

Shaolin VS Wu Tang Album is an Amazing body of work. Rae's 2nd Best Album in my Humbled opinion. Wish you guys could have Touched on that for a Minute. Great interview

I listened to every episode of people's party and this one is my favorite

This interview was great. There’s been a lot of great People’s Party episodes, but this is one of the best episodes y’all have done, for real.

🗣 Yo chef we need that purple tape files documentary you promised us bruh!

This is going to be lit! 2 legends just chopping it up 🔥🔥🔥

The 9 came in with some overwhelming street bravado. It will never be repeated again ever. They had 9 individual MCs who could hurt you with different styles. Not even one MC today can claim originality.

Rae said Kane, rakim, krs1, LL and the ruler was the justice league 💯💪🏾🔥👍🏾🏋🏿‍♀️

I’ve listened to at least 50 Raekwon interviews and even if he goes over the same topics his interviews never get old 💯

Swv and wu Mary And wu jodeci And wu all my favorites 💯 from back in the early to mid 90s. 🥵

Talib’s intro game is the best in all of podcasts! It go me so hype that I thought I was about to go play a game!

Iron Man is The Real sequel to the purple tape idc wat anyone says

"A thug related style attracts millions, fans they understand my plan, whos the kid up in da green Land?!?" 😜✌✌✌ instant click

I’m from a Bmore . Wutang was my first tape. I feel like It shaped me into a man. Ppl be thinking I was raised by Good O.G.s . Naw listening to these tapes from Nas to wutang really my O.G.s .

Shameik Moore definitely captured Reakwon's essence. He's the best actor on that show. Dave East was really good as Meth too.

Really Great interview. Kweli is low key one of the greatest interviewers of this hip hop era. FRFR 💪

Can’t wait to see Raekwon, Ghostface, nd GZA in November in Rochester!

Call me an old head or whatever, but dudes from this era gotta be uplifted constantly. They was outside before it was digital but they made sure to teach you some shit in between the fun. 💯💯💯👑👑👑

Raekwon. In my top rappers dead or alive, he’s in my top 5. He influenced my walk, my talk, my demeanor. I moved from Brooklyn, NY out of state almost TWENTY years ago, and as recently as a couple days ago a brother said to me without knowing I KNEW YOU WAS FROM UP TOP! No one realize how much I’ve been told this. And this is without trying. This is JUST how I am. The credit for my demeanor goes to Raekwon and Ghost, but mainly, MOSTLY Raekwon. Peace to The Chef.

Word, Rae. I lost my Earth 6 months ago. Nothing has been the same. "Rest In People" to yours and mine.

They did such a good job finding the cast members to portray the WU, the series is so God.

👐🏽 the chief is in the building!! Respect LOVE LOVE peace

My 20 year old son's name is Raekwon.🙌

His voice was made for rap what a gift !

The Chef was NY, but in Miami, he got much play. His flow was and still is, universal. His extra description and slang, spoke clearly to me.

Real rap, Rae (and that era) literally raised me in the streets. And also taught me how to evolve from the streets into the person I am today.

Raekwon has always been one of the most talented rappers ever. Talib Kweli is on his A game with interviewing. Wu-Tang Clan forever! Awesome interview from beginning to end!

The way raekwon talks is so gangsta.

Please interview Redman, GFK, producer Mathematics, & Masta Killa.

What a Killer episode. History lessons like these should be taught in schools. ONE LOVE ☮️

RAE BLESS U BROTHER, keep doing what u do!!!!!!!!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥

Raekwon definitely one of the G.O.A.T. 🔥🔥

This interview is going to be great and lit 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This interview was fire! Learned a lot.

Just finished 'Of Mics and Men'. As a shorty in the 90s, that shit made me cry several times. Wu-Tang Forever!

Is it me or do jasmine be lookin baked as fuck in some episodes lmaooo 😂

Cuban links album got me into Scarface

I could sit and listen to this guy for hours. His stories are so interesting to me.

Thanks for the awesome effort on these interviews, absolute 🔥.

Love him. Legend. Not only his raps, even how he talks speaks volumes. Glad he bigged up Brooklynnn.

The beat to C.R.E.A.M. was four years old before the recorded it! 🤯 RZA was so far ahead of his time with production… sheesh!

Im born and raised in New Orleans at dat time if you liked East Coast Hip Hop down here you got looked at crazy. Cant it be so simple was and still is my favotite Track on 36 Chambers

WU-TANG FOREVER!!!!

can't wait to watch! The audio version was fantastic!

This was one of my favorite episodes. Allways asking good questions and giving time to answering them is rare these days. We can feel that you really love doing these. Thanks a lot.

Much love from Canada

I love Reakwon. Purple Tape was on heavy rotation 94-95👊🏽

Sinister Six: Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Kool G, Slick Rick, LL and KRS.

Did Rae just say the c.r.e.am beat was 3 or 4 years old when it was released??.. Wow, RZA was soo ahead of his time. That's insane

Lovee to smoke and listen to Rae. Always and forever Wu Tang.

Rae looks like he's living his best life. Just happy and blessed to be here in the present. True survivor and thriver. So happy for this brother and all that he's accomplished!! Respect!! 🙏👐☮️🌅

Two of my favs Kwe&Rae 🔥🔥

Another great interview. People's party knocking em out the park

All I need is for Talib or Sway to give my eulogy cuz their intros✊🏽